How Work Life Is Like Sister Act 2

Catchy title, right? Like many people, I love the Sister Act movies. But you're probably wondering how Sister Mary Clarence and the rest of the gang can relate to your work life. It's not a stretch, trust me. Just read along and see if you recognize these archetypes in your work environment.

Sister Mary Clarence - This is the person who may have "accidentally" fell into the field. They have a colorful past and bring an innovative perspective to what they do, how they interact with their peers, and reach out to clients. Sometimes you may feel there's no method to their madness, but given faith and some creative wiggle room, they will accomplish great things. They can rally people and inspire others to reach beyond their limits. Their work/life motto is simple: "If you wanna be somebody, if you wanna go somewhere, you better wake up and pay attention." This person definitely pays attention to the little and big things happening around them and what's effecting the work environment.

Sister Mary Patrick - They can always find the silver lining and rainbow for any storm that comes. This person is the miss sunshine of the group but don't mistake their kindness for weakness. You can often find them in the "cheerleader" role of supporting the team in high and low times. They are usually the person that makes everyone wonder HOW do they do it all.

Sister Mary Lazarus - This is the person who knows all the policies and procedures like the back of their hand. Sometimes their no-nonsense attitude is mistaken as being mean-spirited but they're just blunt and don't sugarcoat things. They may be one of the most seasoned people on the team and are not jaded by changes in management as they've seen it all before. You can count on them to always get the job done. Sometimes this person will have a wicked sense of humor.

Sister Mary Robert - Though this person is no longer a new professional, they may have some of those timid personality traits remaining. With some strong coaching and an intentional supervisor, this person can grow into the professional they're mean to be. Once that happens, you will find them paying it forward, supporting the growth of clients and peers, while serving as a mentor.

Reverend Mother - This is your supervisor or someone on the management team. They have a long tenure and may be not be open to change as quickly as you'd like. But once you show them some data or facts on the proposed results, they will become a champion for the cause. Once they're on your side, you have a strong ally and advocate for the rest of your time there.

Father Maurice - This person can also be your supervisor or someone on the management team. Sometimes what they do may seem scatterbrained but they are well-meaning, see the good in people and want them to prevail. When things don't always go as planned, they do not operate with a throw someone under the bus mentality. They are a believer in the challenge-and-support method of leadership.

Mr. Crisp - We've all come across this type at some point. This is the person that doesn't like people (i.e. students), always seems to be grumpy, and has been at the company for a long time (15+ years). When you come across this type of person working in higher education, particularly in Student Affairs, you may ask yourself why. Why, if you don't like students do you continue to work in a job where it's a central part of your duties to interact/engage with students? Why hasn't anyone, particularly a supervisor, addressed their negative behavior and how it might be time to move on? The best strategy to working alongside such a curmudgeon... just smile and nod.

That girl can SANG!!

Rita Watson - This is the person that seems to have a chip on their shoulder. They don't really let their guard down to let anyone in to see where the chip originates from. But with the right support, their talent can really shine. Once given the support they need, things can be turned around and their attitude will improve. They also have the capability of becoming a valuable team player.

Florence Watson (Rita's mom) - For those who work in higher education or any other field that doesn't necessarily have the street-cred, you may have heard your family tell you something similar to this: "Singing [insert crummy job title] does put food on the table. Singing does NOT pay the bills. Singing is no guarantee to a future, if even if you have got talent." But in the end, with perseverance and recognition from others, that person can be turned around and view your chosen profession as a valid form of employment.

 

Ahmal - This is the activist of the office. They always have a cause that they are passionate about and will discuss at-length with anyone who will listen. Though you may not always agree with their cause-de-jour, you admire their passion. That same passion bleeds into the work that they do as they are often able to provide the history and context of the issues facing the workplace.

And who doesn't remember this classic moment...

Honorable mention - Jennifer Love Hewitt as Margaret. The one person in your office, rain or shine, that always looks put together.

Based on the profiles above, which character are you?